Nongpoh, August 31: Traditional Ryndia weaving from Meghalaya received national recognition at the Delhi Fashion Week 2026, with two women from the State winning the Best Weaver and Best Designer awards at the event held at ITPO, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on August 27.
The two awardees are Iaineh Khymdeit, a weaver from Mawlong village in Ri-Bhoi district, and Badkyntilin Mawthoh, a designer. Their participation highlighted Meghalaya’s traditional handwoven textiles, indigenous skills and traditional attire on a major fashion platform.
Ryndia weaving has increasingly emerged as one of Meghalaya’s distinctive cultural identities, gaining wider recognition as local weavers and designers incorporate traditional fabrics into contemporary fashion. The growing participation of indigenous textile practitioners in major fashion events has further helped showcase the State’s rich weaving heritage beyond the region.
Delhi Fashion Week 2026 was organised by the Delhi Fashion Club under the leadership of founder, Chairman and Show Director Harshit Dhingraun, with the event focusing on traditional attire, handwoven textiles, handloom products and indigenous craftsmanship from across India. Dhingraun is also associated with Voice of the Youth (VOY).
Speaking about her experience, Iaineh Khymdeit expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her participation in the fashion event, particularly the Textiles Department of the Meghalaya Government, which provided assistance and encouragement for her journey to New Delhi.
Khymdeit said the journey of pursuing weaving as a profession has not always been easy, particularly as a woman. However, her hard work, determination and commitment helped her overcome the challenges she encountered.
She encouraged other women to consider traditional weaving and related textile work as a viable means of livelihood, urging them to take up the profession, become self-reliant and stand on their own feet.
The recognition at Delhi Fashion Week is expected to further encourage Meghalaya’s weavers and designers to preserve traditional craftsmanship while adapting Ryndia and other indigenous textiles to contemporary fashion.
